This article seeks to focus on the spiritual, moral, social, psychological and behavioural, and health dimensions of Islamic prayers, particularly the five-time daily prayers, and on their multiple benefits for the individual as well as the wider community.

Muslim societies around the world exhibit evident diversities. These diversities are observable in the composition of population, social organization, family and kinship systems, languages, ethnicity, sectarian and denominational distinctions, form of government, modes of livelihood and occupational structure, social stratification, settlement patterns, levels of economic development, customary laws, status of women and gender relations, customs and traditions and folklore. Ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity is a conspicuous feature of Muslim societies not only globally but also within nations, regions and groups. Read more

Palestinian women: An untold history of leadership and resistance

Our collective deafness to the stories of Palestinian women needs to end for the sake of future generations.

By Mohammed El-Kurd

The hallways of my memory have always echoed with my grandmother's voice storytelling, and thus unburdening, narratives of womanly struggle. Her voice projected both wit and resilience in the face of the Israeli ethnic cleansing of Palestine and the decades-old Israeli military occupation. However, my grandmother's testimonies were rarely recognised. Read more

Political and militia leaders condemn president's unannounced visit to US troops as a blow to Iraq's sovereignty.

Iraqi political and militia leaders have condemned US President Donald Trump's unannounced trip to Iraq as a violation of their country's sovereignty.

In a surprise visit to US troops, Trump on Wednesday landed at an airbase west of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, where he thanked the soldiers for their service. Read more

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Malaysia: The woman who decides if men can take a second wife

By Heather Chen

Islamic law, also known as Sharia, is often associated by critics with harsh punishments and hardline attitudes. But one of Malaysia's first female Sharia high court judges says her role gives her an opportunity to protect women in the Muslim-majority nation.

Judge Nenney Shushaidah presides over five trials a day and can hear up to 80 cases a week.

Malaysia practises a moderate form of Islam but conservative attitudes have been on the rise and the use of Sharia is growing as well. Under a dual-track legal system, thousands of Muslims use it to settle moral and family matters. Non-Muslims are required to follow secular laws that deal with the same matters. Read more